Black Hawk, Colorado, a former mining camp 35 miles west of Denver, may be known mostly for legalized gambling -- 18 casinos operate there -- but it also stands in the midst of beautiful mountains. You can find plenty of hiking trails in nearby parks and wilderness areas. Many old mines still honeycomb the slopes, though, and collapses and cave-ins aren’t uncommon. The earth above mine tunnels can be unstable, so stay on marked trails.
Hiking Hints
- Hikes around Black Hawk usually start at or above 8,000 feet and can entail elevation gains of 1,000 feet or more. If you aren’t used to such high altitudes, try a short, easy hike first, to make sure you're acclimated. Always carry water and extra layers when you hike. Check weather forecasts, and if thunderstorms or snowstorms are predicted, plan to be off the trail by the time they start. Elk, moose, black bears, mountain lions and bighorn sheep are among the wildlife living around Black Hawk. If you’re lucky enough to spot any of these animals, look but don’t approach -- they’re wild and potentially dangerous. Many trails remain open for skiing, snowshoeing and even snowboarding throughout the winter. Before you head out, check avalanche warnings.
Arapaho and Roosevelt Recreation
- There's an entrance to the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests near Idaho Springs, about 20 minutes south of Black Hawk. You can find hundreds of miles of trails along the Continental Divide that pass through woods, alpine meadows and tundra. Several even climb to mountain summits that rise higher than 14,000 feet above sea level, such as Bierstadt, Evans, Grays and Torreys. Hikes range from moderate to very difficult, and trails often are steep, so pace yourself and know your limits. If you’re in the Mount Evans Wilderness District of the national forests, you must register at the trailhead for a free permit.
Clear Creek Climbs
- Clear Creek County, near Black Hawk, operates numerous trails that start in or near Idaho Springs. You can hike the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, which runs 14 miles one way but is rated for beginners. During the summer, when vehicles also are allowed, there's an entry fee. Other trails range from beginner to advanced, and one -- Warren Gulch -- has a 3,300-foot elevation change. Many also are open to bikers in the summer and accommodate cross-country skiers and snowshoers in the winter. Some trailheads are accessible only by four-wheel-drive and/or by roads that close during the winter.
Golden Gate Grades
- About 20 minutes northeast of Black Hawk, Golden Gate Canyon State Park has 12 trails that collectively cover more than 35 miles. Some are multiuse, open to horseback riders and mountain bikers, while others are exclusively for hiking. Round-trip distances range from 1.4 to 7.4 miles, though many trails intersect, enabling you to plan longer hikes. Particularly difficult trails may require bouldering, climbing steep grades and navigating loose rock. If you want a short, easy hike, there are three trails near the visitor center that range from 0.10 to 0.25 mile.
